Because you only have 5-10 seconds to make your mark....Theme from Rocky. When that song starts, EVERYONE knows what it is and what reference he'd be going for. I think it's 'tongue in cheek,' but considering everything that's happened, most will get the reference and it will be talked about a little bit longer than the other songs mentioned. Marketing baby...marketing!
When I started the thread that was the one I had in mind. I picture him in the pose from the movie with hands above his head while he is on the stage and I think that would be something the race reviews on speed would include in footage. Good for marketing.
Tom